Species coneflower
pale-red flowers, maroon buds, green leaves on green petioles and stems

coneflower

Echinacea 'Meteor Red'

Coneflower (Echinacea 'Meteor Red') is a dazzling, amazing bloomer with huge blooms up to 6 inches across. Its petals are striking shades of bright red with yellow centers. With strong, upright stems and vibrant colors, it is an eye-catching addition to sunny borders, pollinator gardens, and containers. It shrugs off drought and heat with ease, and its 3-inch seed heads are a treat for birds throughout the winter. It also has the added bonus of being edible, making a beautiful addition to salads, smoothies and herbal teas. Coneflower (Echinacea 'Meteor Red') is a truly amazing, low-maintenance perennial that can bring amazing colour and life to any outdoor space.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Red Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Coneflower (Echinacea 'Meteor Red') should be watered thoroughly once a week, except during periods of extreme heat when it may need watering twice a week. During the summer months, water the plant deeply, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. When temperatures begin to cool, decrease the frequency of watering because a coneflower's root system is less active in colder temperatures. Always water the roots directly and avoid wetting the foliage as much as possible.

sunlight

Coneflower (Echinacea 'Meteor Red') or echinacea requires a lot of direct sunlight, at least 6-8 hours daily. This plant should be grown in an area that receives at least 8 hours of sunlight. When first starting out, plants should be moved from partially shaded conditions to an area with full sun. This will help encourage strong blooms. If the sunlight is too intense, adding some shade cloth or moving the plants to a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, would be beneficial. Echinacea is very drought tolerant, so watering should be done only when the soil is completely dry. Echinacea should not be overwatered, as this can cause root and stem rot.

pruning

Coneflower (Echinacea 'Meteor Red') should be pruned lightly in the late spring after new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged stems and minimize the plant's height by cutting back the tallest stems to 8 inches above the ground. Removing dead flowers may also help to encourage new growth and blooming. To maintain a bushier shape, light pruning can be done throughout the growing season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Echinacea 'Meteor Red' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Echinacea 'Meteor Red' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Can coneflowers grow well in containers?

Yes, coneflowers can grow extremely well in containers. The best container for them is a large one as they prefer a lot of room to grow their roots. Additionally, be sure to use a fertile and well-draining potting soil and water regularly. Potted coneflowers should be fertilized monthly with a balanced fertilzer and divided yearly in order to ensure optimal health and flowering of these beloved plants.

Could coneflowers be used for landscaping?

Yes, coneflowers can be used for landscaping. They are generally perennials and come in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, burgundy, and white. They are very hardy and require little attention and care, making them a good choice for low-maintenance landscaping. When planted in clusters, coneflowers bloom throughout the summer and can provide beautiful colors and texture to your garden. Coneflowers are also very attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds and can help you attract wildlife to your yard.

Could coneflowers be planted in a meadow?

Yes, coneflowers can be planted in a meadow. Coneflowers grow best in sunny locations and their long stems make them an excellent choice for a meadow landscape. They will enjoy sandy or loamy soils that drain well and need supplemental water during periods of drought. They can also be cultivated in areas with higher humidity, although they may require more maintenance and protection from insect pests. Coneflowers will add a splash of beautiful color to the meadow and will attract native bees and butterflies which can help to create a vibrant, natural environment.

Could coneflowers be planted in a meadow?

Yes, coneflowers can be planted in a meadow. They usually thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. If your meadow soil is too moist, coneflowers may not do well. It's best to prepare the soil with compost or aged manure and always water the plants in the morning to reduce the chances of disease. Coneflowers attract beneficial insects, butterflies, and birds, making them a great addition to any meadow.

Could coneflowers be grown as cut flowers?

Yes, coneflowers can be grown as cut flowers. A few varieties of coneflower, such as 'White Swan' and 'Double Decker', can handle being cut and put in arrangements. However, it is important to wait until the blooms are just beginning to open or fully opened to ensure that they last longer. For best results, cut the stems when the flowers are dry and bring them inside quickly. Proper care for the cut flower coneflowers should include changing water regularly and recutting the stems when needed. In general, coneflowers are an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.

Is it true that coneflowers bloom for a long time?

Yes, it is true that coneflowers bloom for a long time. They are a hardy perennial flower which blooms from late spring until the first frost in autumn. The flowering period for these plants can last for up to 8 weeks, and the individual flowers last for about 10 days each. Coneflowers are a great addition to any garden, with their vibrant colors, long bloom time and ability to attract butterflies making them an excellent choice for any garden.

Should coneflowers be mulched in the winter?

Yes, coneflowers should be mulched in the winter. Mulching coneflowers helps to protect them from the elements, such as cold temperatures and harsh winds. It also helps to promote water retention and prevent weed growth. For optimal results, spread a layer of mulch around the base of the coneflowers, making sure to keep it slightly away from the stems and leaves. For added protection, consider using a thick layer of evergreen boughs or leaves. Just remember to remove the layer of mulch when temperatures rise in the spring, as the added protection can prevent the coneflower from getting its required light and water.

Are coneflowers biennial or perennial?

Coneflowers are generally thought of as a perennial flower, meaning that they can last for multiple years in an area and will be able to grow again year after year. While some coneflowers have the potential to be grown as a biennial, meaning that they will need to reseed and start over again after two years, they are more commonly grown as a perennial. This means that they will last much longer and can provide vibrant and cheerful blooms year after year.